Starter Rolex

[JIDX]

New guy here, I've made the decision to purchase a pre-owned Rolex and I'm not sure where to start or find vintage watches in Chicagoland. I'm looking for a starter watch and have been looking at the Air King and Datejust online. I would prefer one from 1977. I am just starting my search, and plan to complete my purchase in the next month or so. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you!

[Ticknaway]

First thing perhaps is to think about what size you like, then the look, function and feel, go to an AD and browse try some watches on and then go look to purchase. Try some of the trusted sellers here. Good luck!!!

[Watchgeek5000]

You could buy a newer airking for around the same price of an older DJ if that helps any.

[KrismanX]

Contact a few sellers in sales section and see what they can source for you.

[Hairdude1]

Where are you located, I would recommend trying on all the watches that interest you. As for sourcing it in Chicagoland you could try Howard frum. I would recommend buying thru a trusted seller.

[Afghanvet]

ID your model at a local store, then contact a trusted seller here on TRF to buy! Enjoy the hunt!

[Rocco21]

I started with an airking,it's a great watch and many dial options.

[brandrea]

Welcome to TRF.

My only advice is to be selective when looking at older watches. 77 is getting into vintage territory and it can be a minefield. Buy the seller

[emersm]

Happy hunting

[Iloreyix]

You will find on this forum, "buy the seller".
Really hang out on the vintage section, educate yourself well, which is super fun.
Research the sellers on this forum, most of them have 50+ great reviews, none bad.
If you purchase from one of them out of your state, you can avoid sales tax as well as get a great price on a great watch and have confidence it's what you are paying for.
Have fun and Welcome!!
I bought my first watch a month ago from SohAis and feel great about the great purchase!

[Fjweld]

All I have to do is say be careful with Frum...
Just purchased my 2nd watch a 1974 1601 Dj with Buckley dial from JVMARTIN, smooth transaction and great guy to do biz with. I've purchased from SoHail as well and a great seller as well

[JIDX]

Thank you all very kindly. I appreciate the advice greatly.

[Jack T]

Why a 1977, birth year? Ok, but for me that's getting up there in age, and limits the quality of stock for the models you're seeking. I also like the AK and DJ, consider a 36mm OP or 36mm Explorer. Set a budget first and see what's in that price range (then, like a lot of people, up your budget!!!).
Good luck in your search.

[No SUBctitute]

Originally Posted by JIDX

New guy here, I've made the decision to purchase a pre-owned Rolex and I'm not sure where to start or find vintage watches in Chicagoland. I'm looking for a starter watch and have been looking at the Air King and Datejust online. I would prefer one from 1977. I am just starting my search, and plan to complete my purchase in the next month or so. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you!

How much do you want to spend?

[ltmgeller]

Go someplace that has both new and used and try a few on. Places like tourneau should have both new and used watches for you to try.

[GradyPhilpott]

Don't buy a starter Rolex.

When people talk starter anything, they are talking about something that will be discarded or pushed aside for something that you really wanted in the first place.

You said that you just began your search--continue with that until you find what you ultimately want, within reason.

By reason, I mean that you may want a platinum Day-Date, but such a purchase might be completely unrealistic.

Be realistic.

Look at functions, or as we say here, complications.

Is a date something you need? What about multiple time zones. Do you scuba dive?

Do you want a dressy watch or a sports watch?

Things like this should inform your decision.

Millions of people make a good argument for not owning a watch by simply not owning a watch.

Millions of people make a good case for not owning an expensive watch by owning watches that cost anywhere from ten dollars to, say, one hundred dollars and all those watches keep excellent time.

What I'm saying is that a Rolex is something you should buy when you are good are ready to drop several thousand dollars, so make the best of that purchase and buy the one that fits your needs and your desires for the long haul.

You'll be happier in the long run.

Stick around. You'll learn a lot and will be able to make a wiser decision by doing so.

Welcome aboard.

[Cru Jones]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

Don't buy a starter Rolex.

When people talk starter anything, they are talking about something that will be discarded or pushed aside for something that you really wanted in the first place.

You said that you just began your search--continue with that until you find what you ultimately want, within reason.

By reason, I mean that you may want a platinum Day-Date, but such a purchase might be completely unrealistic.

Be realistic.

Look at functions, or as we say here, complications.

Is a date something you need? What about multiple time zones. Do you scuba dive?

Do you want a dressy watch or a sports watch?

Things like this should inform your decision.

Millions of people make a good argument for not owning a watch by simply not owning a watch.

Millions of people make a good case for not owning an expensive watch by owning watches that cost anywhere from ten dollars to, say, one hundred dollars and all those watches keep excellent time.

What I'm saying is that a Rolex is something you should buy when you are good are ready to drop several thousand dollars, so make the best of that purchase and buy the one that fits your needs and your desires for the long haul.

You'll be happier in the long run.

Stick around. You'll learn a lot and will be able to make a wiser decision by doing so.

Welcome aboard.

This is excellent advice!

To which I'll add: be sure to consider whether you really want a vintage watch from 1977. Such a watch demands special care compared to a modern watch that you can basically slap on, enjoy and not think much about.

Good luck with the search and enjoy!

[JIDX]

Test

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by JIDX

Test

Read the rules. We do not allow any mention of firearms, and so your posts discussing them will not be approved.

[Valkyrie]

When I bought my first Rolex, just like you I was looking for a 1977 Rolex. The difference was it was 1977 and a 1977 Rolex was current production. Having worn that watch for 34+ years I now wear a 2011 version of the same watch and can tell you the current models have advantages you will not find in a 1977 watch. My 1977 watch has an acrylic crystal that scratches very easily, has tritium lume that long ago gave up the ghost, does not have a quick set date feature, and has a bracelet that over time has significant stretch and even when new did not compare to today's bracelets.

Now of course you should get what you want but I would suggest that for the price you will pay for that 1977 watch you can find something much newer with many of the features found in current models. Good luck in your search!

[JIDX]

My apologies, I'm not trying to get banned on day 1.
My point is that I plan to keep this watch for a very long time, just like my other "starter" items. I'm looking for suggestions on a basic watch that can be worn daily and will survive 15 years to then pass on to one of my boys. After reading the comments I think my 1977 idea is out of the question. I've realized that I know less than what I thought I knew about Rolex. I'm open to model, year, and budget suggestions. Thank you!

[KeithP]

Originally Posted by JIDX

My apologies, I'm not trying to get banned on day 1.
My point is that I plan to keep this watch for a very long time, just like my other "starter" items. I'm looking for suggestions on a basic watch that can be worn daily and will survive 15 years to then pass on to one of my boys. After reading the comments I think my 1977 idea is out of the question. I've realized that I know less than what I thought I knew about Rolex. I'm open to model, year, and budget suggestions. Thank you!

Easy - Explorer 214270, OP 114300, Submariner 114060, or a DJ with steel bezel. Check them out, see what sings to you.

[AF_Rob]

The 1601 DJ from the 70's is a fine piece, and realitivly inexpensive.

[michael067]

An SS DJ with jubilee bracelet would be a great starter timepiece. Check HQ Milton they have a great selection. Good luck.

[Eva123]

I am not so sure why you want vintage watch. Real vintage watches usually are expensive and you should be really into vintage items. My suggestion to you would be following:

If you really like Rolex, however, can not afford it now, try to save and then buy watch that you ACTUALLLY want. In opposite case you will be involved in flipping games and ultimately loose money. Also, if you acquire watch that you can afford now but it is not your dream watch, you will still want your dream watch.

[locutus49]

You need to decide on which Rolex sings to you and then buy the newest model you can afford.

The date just is a classic, just decide which size you want. But you might prefer a Sub. Both references are iconic.

Do not buy an entry level model just to say you own a Rolex. Decide which model you love, try one on, and then work with a Trusted Seller to source one that is within your budget. IMO.

[Exploradori]

Another vote for the Rolex Explorer. It's a classic reference, with substantial history, and the best example of a GADA Watch (go anywhere, do anything). But with Rolex you can't go wrong with whatever you choose.

[Ferdelious]

If you want something that you can pass onto your children then I would go with a modern 6 digit reference. There have been remarkable engineering changes to the band and clasp that will stand the test of time. A good starter would be 39mm Oyster Perptual, 39mm Explorer 1, or the new 39mm Air King.

I suggest one of the Trusted Seller on TRF or since it's your first experience you may want to go with an AD.

[kilyung]

By "starter Rolex" I hope you mean "gateway to an agonizing addiction"? Because there is no 'cheap' or 'entry' model. We buy what we like and can afford. If you're looking for an affordable classy 1977 model then I'd recommend the DJ, ToG, or Explorer.

[HogwldFLTR]

Really no such thing as a starter Rolex; this is a bad perspective which led me to selling a watch I wish I'd kept. There are only less expensive Rolexes. If that is the defining factor then there are plenty of more expensive watches I'd never want. Look for a watch that calls for you and hold out for it. Of course reason needs to apply and practical issues like finance do need to apply. Buying a watch with the intent of flipping it to get to the "next level" can lead to wasted funds in the long run.